Laws of the game

The Laws of the Game are formulated by the International Rugby Board (IRB) and circulated by the Australian Rugby Union in the Laws of the Game Booklet.  This booklet can be obtained from the Australian Rugby Union. Click here for an ARU Resources Order Form. 

Law of the Game

Click here to download the 2009 Australian Laws of the Game; including IRB U19 Variations, Seven-A-Side Variations and Referee Signals.

Click here to download  further information from IRB in relation to Regulations, Approved Equipment and Law Rulings.

Australian U19 Law Variations

In addition to the Laws of the Game, the Australian Rugby Union has adopted variations to the Laws for matches involving players 19 years of age and under.  Click here for details of the 2009 Australian U19 Law variations.

Junior Modified Games Laws

The Australian Rugby Union has a number of Laws relating to the Junior Games.  

Game Management Guidelines (GMG) 2009

The Game Management Guidelines will aid unions in administration and playing of the game in domestic competitions within Australia in 2009. The purpose of this document is to ensure that all participants at the community level are aware of the areas of the game which require more specific coaching and/or consistent refereeing.  It is also reinforced that the Law Book is the only on-field Game Management Document. This updated version includes highlighted changes from the 2008 GMG.

Recommended Sanctions - Law 10 (Foul Play)

The Recommended Sanctions - Law 10 (Foul Play) is a summary of the penalties awarded for offences committed in relation to foul play.  Download the iRB Law 10 - Foul Play (pdf file - 24KB).

Experimental Law Variations (ELV's)

The Experimental Law Variations (ELV’s) were be introduced into Premier Rugby competitions in Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra and Perth in 2008, in addition to the Super 14 Competition. The whole country will adopt the Law Variations in 2009 - Click here for details on the ELV's